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You, my readers, and overall editorial integrity are the two most important aspects of corals + cognacs. Know that I will always retain 100% control over the content on corals + cognacs, all opinions are that of my own, and that I will always disclose to you the items for which I have been paid and/or gifted.

Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!

Hi, nice to meet you.

I'm Hallie, a Midwest native, New York City transplant and the mind behind corals + cognacs. If you're looking for an online destination for stylish inspiration and musings on Manhattan living, you've come to the right place.

Here's a bit more about me (and if you'd like to keep in touch, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook).

I hope you enjoy reading corals + cognacs as much as I enjoy writing it.

FAQ // LOCATION: New York, New York • BY WAY OF: The Midwest (Cleveland/Chicago) • HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Attainable, trendy and fun. I’m constantly wearing unexpected pairings – like statement pumps and a graphic tee. • FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? The vintage Gucci clutch I thrifted for $40. • ANY OBSESSIONS? I like my coffee black, my heels high and my martinis dirty. • GUILTY PLEASURES? Complex carbohydrates and shoe shopping -- both in excess. (And SoulCycle, as a result.)

ARE YOU A FULL-TIME BLOGGER? No, I work as a Development Manager and Contributing Editor at Glam.com. • WHY DID YOU START YOUR BLOG? I've spent nearly seven years on the corporate grind, where sartorial humor and an expertly crafted color-block can get lost in the boardroom. As a result, I decided to create a blog -- a space where I’d hoped my writing, styling and excessive shoe collection would be better comprehended. • WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Living stylish and spontaneously in New York City – and beyond. I aim to inspire others to have fun with fashion and to live lightheartedly • HOW’D YOU THINK OF THE NAME? To be honest, the name just came to me. I’m a big color-blocker and a sucker for alliteration in writing. It just fit. • WHAT’S THE CORRECT WAY TO WRITE IT? corals + cognacs.

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT? corals and cone-yaks. • WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE? A Canon T3i with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. • DON’T YOU FEEL WEIRD TAKING PHOTOS OF YOURSELF? Absolutely. Everyone looks at me like I’m insane – especially when it’s cold. Wouldn’t you? • DO YOU WORK WITH ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS? Yep! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk. • HOW ELSE CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH? On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

November 29, 2023

Holiday Gift Guide: Stock Up On These

We’ve all experienced the moment when someone hands you a carefully wrapped, thoughtful holiday gift — and embarrassingly, you have nothing to give in return. Awful, right?

Over the holidays (Cyber Week, especially), I take advantage of the Internet’s many sales and stock up on small, affordable “indulgence” items — like a porcelin zebra dish for the coffee table, moisturizing masks and pretty, scented candles — so as not to be caught empty-handed ever again.

These gifts are season-less, so they’ll make perfect presents year-round — whether for a hostess, a co-worker, colleague or friend. Plus, most of them are under $20, so they won’t break the bank.

Clockwise, from top:

*Click to shop: (1) porcelin zebra dish | (2) classic mason candle | (3) Assorted Rifle Paper Co. stationery | (4) ‘Baies’ scented candle | (5) Sugarfina champagne bears | (6) NARS nail polish | (7) Two’s Company old fashioned glass | (8) Naked 2 ‘Basics’ eyeshadow palette | (9) fuzzy pom keychain | (10) Deborah Lipman nail duo | (11) “You are the Best” ceramic mug | (12) ‘Humans of New York Stories’ book (“Better on Toast” is also a great option) | (13) facial moisturizing masks | (14) ‘WTF’ weekly desk calendar | (15) 2016 simplified daily planner

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More ideas: gifts for home | coffee table books | gifts under $25 |
items from this post (below):

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Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

7 comments

Taylor- Lights Camera Catwalk on November 29, 2023 at 9:14 pm

SUCH good picks! I would love to give or get any of these!

Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com

Reply
Quinn on November 30, 2023 at 1:36 am

Great round up, Hallie! I especially love the zebra dish

Reply
Bolly on November 30, 2023 at 2:46 am

Thank you so much for sharing these! It all sounds great *u*

Bolly | http://www.dylanqueen.co.uk

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Meagan on December 8, 2023 at 10:26 am

Good idea! I always stock up on candles to give as gifts!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

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